Mountain-sized anniversary parties

Reflect on the past, present and future as Whistler Mountain marks its 40
th
anniversary and Blackcomb its 25
th
anniversary with celebrations Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Roundhouse Lodge on top of Whistler Mountain and Friday, Dec. 9 at Dustys at Creekside.

"This weekend will kick off an exciting journey as we celebrate with our long-time seasons pass holders, our community, our staff and anyone who has ever been bitten by the Whistler bug," said Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Whistler-Blackcomb, in a release.

The Saturday evening festivities centre on the theme of reflection. Nostalgic décor will be coupled with music from Vancouvers 11-piece band, The Dynamics, as well as local turntablists. Food stations and special artwork from Brent Lynch, who was commissioned to produce anniversary works of art, are also part of the evening.

Tickets are $35 and limited to one thousand people. Call 1-800-766-0449 for tickets.

Both mountains will begin celebrating earlier in the day, Dec. 10, with staff donning retro attire and inviting visitors and locals to do the same. Anyone dressed in old-school ski gear, wearing at least a retro jacket, toque and goggles/glasses, and who uploads before 10:30 a.m. will be entered in a draw to win one of two pairs of limited edition Rossignol Anniversary Skis, which includes a limited edition anniversary topcoat. The draw takes place on the Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Garibaldi Lift Company. Guests must be present to win.

Dustys and Merlins will also host anniversary-themed events Friday, Dec. 9 with two 2005-06 season pass giveaways. Live psychedelic music of the 60s will play at Dustys while local DJs will spin 80s classics at Merlins.